When I went to the dr a month or so ago for my yearly visit, he recommended that I get a baseline mammogram. New recommendations by the smart people I suppose, is that a woman should get a baseline mammogram at the age of 35. I him and hawed about scheduling it and was really planning on waiting till after the holidays. The more I thought about that I realized that was stupid. Lordy, if there is something in there lets find it and kick it in the booty.
For the last 3 years I have participated in the Susan G. Komen race. It’s one of my favorite events and I always leave feeling immensely blessed and obligated to share the story and educate others to do self breast exams and get mammograms. So kind of ironic that I try to postpone the exam. In fact on my way to the appointment, I tried to call and reschedule. Luckily the line was busy, so I considered it a sign to just get it over with.
Some of you may not have embarked on this part of being a woman, so thought I would share what it was like as I myself had no idea.
I was in and out of there in less than 30 minutes. They took a total of 4 pictures, 2 of each breast. It didn’t hurt but was uncomfortable. After the pictures were taken, I waited while the radiologist evaluated the pictures. The idea that if deemed necessary, they may do more tests (i.e. ultrasound) while you are there vs having you come back. Luckily for me, I got a clean report and was sent on my way.
Point is…get your mammograms, do your self exams, take care of yourself. Thank God for your health and pray for those incredible women (& men) who are fighting the battle.
